BONJOUR, JE M’APPLE, Anne! As fairy tales carry good moral messages towards their readers, the characters hold the key to these messages because they portray a role that helps the audiences interpret the characterization assigned to each of them. Now, someone being called as a “Disney princess” is it a praise or a criticism in the Philippine society?
“Me? A princess? Shut Up!” This is a famous line by Mia played by Anne Hathaway from the movie The Princess Diaries. If Mia did not want to be a princess, there are those who wish and jokingly act like one.
“That being called as a ‘Disney princess’ should have a positive equivalence to it, but in the Philippines, it is equal to counterproductive.”
Here in the Philippines, we now have this joke, or a sarcastic remark of a woman coined “as a Disney princess.” Which means that a woman is having a slow day and acts like she has all the time in the world. Further, this is also a pun that a woman is mirroring what a Disney princess portrays in the films, someone who exemplifies grace, beauty, and a love interest waiting to rescue her and live their happily-ever-after.
In the Philippine society context, being called as a “Disney princess” can be analyzed as a praise or a way to call out a person. The fast-paced world we now have, someone who doesn’t work immediately can instantly be called lazy. That being called as a “Disney princess” should have a positive equivalence to it, but in the Philippines, it is equal to counterproductive.
Experiencing “princess treatment” is a positive thing in relationships but why is being called a “Disney princess” a negative thing?
Here are some examples on why such connotation became a joke in a negative way.
“Gising na ang Disney princess!” It means a lady started her day extremely late or everyone else is already up aside from her.
“As a Disney princess, ayoko na!” It means giving up on something that is incredibly stressful.
“Aba hindi ka Disney princess” It means to go and work already since she is not a royalty.
Having these kinds of phrases is indeed entertaining and can break some ice but it still leads to a negative perspective towards a woman—young woman. To all young ladies who make this as a remark of themselves, please, as you approach adulthood, do not carry the negative sarcastic remark of what a princess is. Being lazy is not synonymous with being a royalty. Being a know-it-all is not cute and queen like. Being able to know the difference and not embody the negativity, that’s the path to go.
Disney princesses in the films have distinct roles they portray and positive messages they deliver, however, the women of today are more empowered, more goal-driven, and do not depend on a man to save the day. Mon ami, let us make the connotation “as a Disney princess” be like the positive traits they possess—brave, compassionate, leader, and conscientious. That whenever someone says that “As a Disney princess ka d’yan” it would be something fulfilling in the chest and not a remark that you’ll feel doubtful about.
From one feeling Disney princess to another, let’s now wear our heels, raise our heads, and walk towards responsible and striving adulthood. Oh and of course, some fashionable modern “princess fits” too
Email me at thebedan_managingeditor@sanbeda.edu.ph